Question

How do I simplify rational expressions like 2x^2-8/x^2-4x+4 ?

Answer 1

ok so need to facttor the numerator and denominator separately

Answer 2

lets take the numerator

Answer 3

it is 2x^2 -8.....now 2 is the gcf of the terms 2x^2 and 8

Answer 4

2(^2-4) ?

Answer 5

yes right

Answer 6

again x ^2 - 4 is like x ^2 - 2^2 right

Answer 7

that is (x +2) (x -2)

Answer 8

so your numerator is 2 (x+2)(x -2)

Answer 9

now lets have a look at the denominator

Answer 10

it is x ^2 - 4x +4

Answer 11

to facotize this we need to find two numbers such that the sum is -4 and product is 4

Answer 12

the two numbers are -2 and -2

Answer 13

therefore the denominator is (x-2)(x-2)

Answer 14

then I cancel alike?

Answer 15

therefore the fraction becomes 2 (x+2)(x-2)/(x-2)(x-2)

Answer 16

yepp

Answer 17

thank you :)

Answer 18

so u end up with 2 (x+2)/(x-2)